Karimoku

“Passion has been the keyword in this process. For a project to succeed, you need people to invest themselves in it—and the Karimoku collaboration is an excellent example of that” – Frederik Werner, Norm Architects

Earlier this year, Jonas, Frederik and Laura (Norm Architects) visited Japan to participate in a series of workshops held in Tokyo, resulting in a great collaboration with Japan's largest wooden furniture manufacturer Karimoku and I just love the beautiful “process and behind the scene” images that they have shared on their social media this week.

 Karimoku is the largest wooden furniture manufacturer in Japan and has been producing domestic furniture since 1962. Japan and Denmark share traditions in their approach to furniture design and cabinetry, and the Karimoku collaboration was an opportunity to investigate that, and learn and benefit from each other. 

The result of the Karimoku x Norm Architects collaboration is a series of functional, high quality wooden furniture for an interior renovation project in Tokyo, carrying references to both Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics and design traditions and in my opion beautiful classic, minimal pieces of furniture with a warm look.

“The Hinoki wood sofa boasts clear references to traditional Japanese architecture methods as well as democratic Danish furniture from the 50’s. All elements are on display, with the armrest continuing along the backrest of the sofa and thereby creating a shelf-like element, increasing functionality and making it suitable for a small home. 

The slight but precise spacing between each wooden element in this coffee table is inspired by Japanese temples, shrines and traditional architecture, allowing the light to travel through beautifully. The stone top carries references to the minimalist designs of Danish designer Poul Kjærholm wich can be admired here!

-Elvera-

Photos Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen / Masaki Ogawa